Ortiz was voted MVP of the AL Championship Series in 2004, when Boston came back from an 0-3 deficit to defeat the Yankees in seven games and advance to the World Series. The Red Sox then swept the St. Louis Cardinals for their first title since 1918.

Ortiz will earn $6.5 million in 2006, the second year of a two-year, $12.5 million contract signed in May 2004. The team has a $7.7 million option on him for 2007.

He has been asking for an extension since the winter break started.

Last Tuesday, Ortiz said he would leave negotiations in the hands of his agents and that he wouldn't take an active part in the process.

Enrique Rojas is a reporter and columnist for ESPNdeportes.com and ESPN.com.